1851
Culture
Moby-Dick Published
Herman Melville's masterpiece was published in the United States. Though a commercial failure during Melville's lifetime, Moby-Dick came to be regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written.
On This Day in History
1940
War & Conflict
Coventry Blitz
The German Luftwaffe conducted a massive bombing raid on the English city of Coventry, destroying its medieval cathedral and much of the city center. The attack killed 568 people and shocked the nation.
1922
Technology
BBC Begins Radio Broadcasting
The BBC broadcast its first daily radio program from Marconi House in London. The broadcast inaugurated what would become the world's most respected public broadcasting organization.
1889
Culture
Nellie Bly Begins Round-the-World Trip
Journalist Nellie Bly departed New York to beat Jules Verne's fictional 80-day circumnavigation of the globe. She completed the journey in 72 days, becoming an international celebrity.
1770
Exploration
James Bruce Discovers Blue Nile Source
Scottish explorer James Bruce reached the source of the Blue Nile at Lake Tana in Ethiopia. His discovery solved one of geography's oldest mysteries about the source of the Nile.
2003
Science
Sedna Discovered
Astronomers discovered Sedna, one of the most distant objects in the solar system. Named after the Inuit goddess of the sea, it takes over 11,000 years to orbit the Sun.
1832
Technology
First Streetcar in New York
The first horse-drawn streetcar service in the world began operating on the New York and Harlem Railroad. The innovation revolutionized urban transportation and shaped city development.